Is Canvas An Amazon Company? Ownership Facts

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Many users wonder about the ownership of Canvas, a popular learning management system (LMS). The simple answer is no, Canvas is not owned by Amazon.

Canvas is developed and maintained by Instructure, a software company focused on creating educational technology. Although Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides the cloud infrastructure that Canvas relies on, this doesn't imply ownership.

Let's delve deeper into the specifics:

Who Owns Canvas?

Instructure, founded in 2008, owns Canvas. The company went public in 2015 and was later acquired by Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, in 2020. This acquisition took Instructure private again, meaning it is no longer publicly traded on the stock market.

Instructure's Role

Instructure is responsible for all aspects of Canvas, including:

  • Software Development
  • Customer Support
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Product Updates

They operate independently of Amazon, with their own leadership and strategic direction.

Amazon's Involvement

Amazon's involvement with Canvas is primarily through AWS. AWS provides the servers, databases, and other infrastructure components necessary for Canvas to operate smoothly. Many companies, including Instructure, utilize AWS for its scalability and reliability.

AWS as a Service Provider

It's crucial to understand that using AWS doesn't equate to ownership. AWS is a service provider, offering its infrastructure to numerous clients across various industries. Instructure pays Amazon for using AWS, just like any other customer.

Key Differences to Remember

To clarify the relationship, consider these key differences:

  • Ownership: Instructure owns Canvas.
  • Infrastructure: Canvas uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its infrastructure.
  • Control: Instructure has full control over the development and operation of Canvas.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion might arise due to the widespread use of AWS by many tech companies. People often assume that if a service relies on Amazon's infrastructure, Amazon must own it. However, this is not the case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canvas is not owned by Amazon. It is owned and operated by Instructure, a company specializing in educational technology. While Canvas leverages Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its infrastructure needs, this is purely a customer-vendor relationship, not an ownership stake. For more information, you can visit the Instructure website (https://www.instructure.com/).